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Future Tense

An exhibit probing race issues is less preachy than Crash.

Who knew that R2-D2 could teach us a thing or two about race relations? At Afrofuturism, now on display at Spaces, science fiction serves as a launching pad to an exploration of black culture. "It's about the relationship between time, technology, and culture," says Marketing Director Rich Sarian. More than 20 artists from across the globe plug into the past and future impact of technology on the African American experience. Works include sound installations, interactive videos, and sculptures, all tying together history and its influence on what is yet to come.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to make a connection between sci-fi and black Americans. Stories set in outer space or in the robot-populated future often express themes of abduction, isolation, and alienation. However, Sarian says the topic is universal. "We don't really think about how technology affects us, whether we're white or Chinese or gay," he says. "This show is about how artists, whatever race they are, explore these themes."
Tuesdays-Thursdays, Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Fridays, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., April 30, 1-5 p.m. Starts: April 27. Continues through June 9